Although just a relatively small town in the north west of Scotland, Ullapool is the largest settlement for miles around and is a popular base for visitors. Still a working fishing and ferry port, the town lies nestled on the shores of Loch Broom, and is surrounded on all sides by magnificent mountains.
Wester Ross is known particularly for its mountains and spectacular scenery. With a good mix of both accessible routes and more wild and isolated landscapes, the area has much to offer, and is a favourite location for holidaymakers, with many visitors returning year after year.
Off the coast of the western Scottish mainland, an archipelago of islands form the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles; the Isles of Harris, Lewis, North and South Uist, Barra and Benbecula are the largest islands in the group, and this island chain contains almost a quarter of all the freshwater lochs to be found in Scotland.
Things to do in Ullapool, Wester Ross The warm ocean currents that are known as the North Atlantic Drift bring particularly moderate temperatures to the area, creating a fine microclimate and giving visitors the opportunity to fully explore the region, whether on foot, by bicycle or by boat. The surrounding islands offer great sea cliffs which are perfect for abseiling, whilst the beautiful bays and inlets make for great exploration, whether by boat or kayak.
Top Destinations
Isle of Lewis – The largest island in the Outer Hebrides is flatter than its more mountainous neighbour of Harris. Golden Eagle, Common Seals and Red Deer are all attracted by the diverse habitats on the island, whilst Dolphins, Sharks and Whales are often spotted in the local waters. A number of notable archaeological sites can be found on Lewis, and North Atlantic swells give the island some of the most consistent surf to be found anywhere in Europe.
Stornoway – The main town on the Isle of Lewis combines the traditional trades of fishing, farming and Harris Tweed with more modern economic activities, such as tourism and the exploitation of the local oil deposits. The grounds of Lews Castle house extensive mixed woodlands, many of them planted during the 19th century by Sir James Matheson.
Isle of Harris – With a western coast of spectacular beaches and a more rugged, ‘lunar’ landscape to the north, Harris is a great place to find peace and tranquillity. The island is divided into North and South Harris, and is separated by West and East Loch Tarbert; the unspoilt, white sandy beaches of South Harris contrasting brilliantly with the more mountainous appearance of North Harris, where the Clisham, the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides, is located.
Isle of Skye – The largest and most northerly island in the Inner Herbrides, Skye is one of the few Scottish islands to have enjoyed an increase in population in recent years. With the picturesque harbour of Portree the largest settlement on the island, Skye is a great centre for tourism; once accessible only by ferry, the island was opened up to a wider number of visitors when it was linked to the Scottish mainland by a controversial new road bridge in 1995. The island is particularly noted for its birdlife, including Kittiwake, Corncrake, Atlantic Puffin and Golden Sea Eagle, as well as for its opportunities for freshwater angling and sea fishing.
Kyle of Lochalsh – A noted stopping point on the way to the Isle of Skye, being as it is the most northerly place accessible by rail, at the end of the mainline rail network, connecting with Inverness and beyond, the Kyle of Lochalsh is also the site of the terminal for Skye ferries. The opening of the Skye Road Bridge means that there are no longer queues stretching through the town during busy holiday periods. The magnificent scenery and the associated local wildlife are key attractions, whilst salmon farming is a relatively new business activity which further supports the local economy.
Isle of Mull – The second largest island of the neighbouring Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Mull is home to the restored grandeur of Duart Castle, the ancestral seat of the Clan Maclean, and a popular film location. Meanwhile, at the northern end of the Sound of Mull, the 18th century settlement of Tobermory is the main village on Mull, with its picture-postcard row of brightly-coloured houses along the harbourline made more recently famous by the children’s TV programme ‘Balamory’. Golden, Sea and White-tailed Eagles, Otter and Corncrake are key attractions for nature-lovers.
Ardnamurchan Point – A familiar name to listeners to the UK Shipping Forecast, Ardnamurchan Point is an unspoilt and undisturbed headland, and one of the most westerly points on the British mainland, much of which is only accessible via a single track road. The peninsula is home to both Pine Martin and Wildcat, and the area was recently found to be the site of a newly-discovered Viking ship burial.
Gairloch – This village is a popular Summer destination for tourists, with exceptionally fine scenery, together with some wonderful beaches and impressive mountains, surrounding a settlement which includes a small heritage museum, a golf course, and a range of other useful local amenities.
Shoreside, by Inverinate, Kyle, Highlands, Kyle of Lochalsh
With splendid views of the Five Sisters of Kintail and Loch Duich, these three very comfortable, single-storey cottages are ideally placed for touring north-west Scotland and the Isle of Skye, making this an ideal holiday ...
Leiper House, Near Lochailort, Highlands, Acharacle
'In a land steeped in legends of the Bonnie Prince – close to Moidart’s sandy shores...'Where a tree-lined glen opens out onto Loch Moidart and in countryside steeped with tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie, these fine ...
This delightful detached little cottage is set in an enviable position just yards from the sea, and with breathtaking views towards the Lochalsh and the Skye Mountains. Set within the tiny hamlet known as Glaik on the edge ...
Carron House, Slumbay, near Lochcarron, Northern Highlands, Strathcarron
Carron House is a superb, contemporary, detached house set in its own generous gardens and enjoying stunning loch and mountain views. Situated in the quiet hamlet of Slumbay, just over a mile from the pretty West Highland ...
'In a land steeped in legends of the Bonnie Prince – close to Moidart’s sandy shores...'Where a tree-lined glen opens out onto Loch Moidart and in countryside steeped with tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie, these fine ...
Panoramic sea and mountain viewsThis spacious, well furnished, warm and cosy detached single storey property has views over the sea and mountains as well as a mature garden. Situated in a crofting village, it stands alone ...
Nestling against the side of a small hillock, this holiday property with grass roof enjoys a secluded setting, coupled with panoramic views across open countryside towards the waters of Staffin Bay. Seascape makes the ...
The Holt, Glenelg, near Kyle of Lochalsh, Highlands
Tranquil locationThe Holt is a cosy, welcoming, semi-detached holiday apartment adjoining the owner’s own home. It is situated on the edge of the village of Glenelg and benefits from beautiful views of the Skye mountains ...
Mackenzie Cottage is a traditional style, detached cottage situated in the charming and renowned village of Poolewe in the north west Highlands. The cottage is beautifully presented throughout, with lots of attractive ...
Seaside Cottage, by Inverinate, Kyle, Highlands, Kyle of Lochalsh
With splendid views of the Five Sisters of Kintail and Loch Duich, these three very comfortable, single-storey cottages are ideally placed for touring north-west Scotland and the Isle of Skye, making this an ideal holiday ...
Boasting stunning views across Loch Duich to the mountains of Skye, this very comfortable property is set right on the shore in its own little bay, with the Five Sisters of Kintail as a spectacular backdrop. Its lochside ...
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Ardura Cottage, Nr Craignure, Isle of Mull, Isle of Mull, All Isle of Mull
On the sheltered south-east coast of Mull, between Craignure and Iona and overlooking the River Lussa and Loch Spelve, these two wonderful properties (refs USK and SAAX) enjoy a glorious secluded position within the ...
Aros, Glaick, Balmacara, Kyle, Highlands, Kyle of Lochalsh
Breathtakingly positioned amid National Trust woodland, in an enviable setting just yards from the shore, this tastefully renovated detached cottage is finished to a high standard. With splendid sweeping views across Loch ...
Beach Bay Cottage, Carnish, Uig, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, All Outer Hebrides
In a truly unique location amid the spectacular scenery of the Island of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Beach Bay Cottage is nestled on the edge of the unspoilt white sands of Uig Bay, a National Scenic Area and ...
The cottage is the first in an attractive row of white cottages along the seas edge, off the centre of the village, a tranquil, secluded outstanding spot. A couple of minutes’ walk over a burn to a convenience store, ...
Blue By Ewe, Naast, near Poolewe, Highlands, Gairloch
Blue by Ewe is a delightful, single-storey, detached cottage with veranda and seating overlooking the garden and Loch Ewe. Nestled within the gardens of the owner’s home, separated by the shared driveway, it is perfect ...
Near Kyle of Lochalsh, the stunning village of Arnisdale nestles below Beinn Sgritheall (Munro), on the shores of Loch Hourn. It overlooks Knoydart peninsula and Sound of Sleat with the Isle of Skye Cuillin in the ...
Burnbrae, Breasclete, near Callanish, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, All Outer Hebrides
Burnbrae is a cosy and comfortable semi-detached cottage overlooking Loch Roag on the west side of the Isle of Lewis, just a short distance from the historic Callanish Stones and the spectacular beaches of Dalmor and ...
But 'n Ben, Nr. Craignure, Isle of Mull, Isle of Mull, All Isle of Mull
On the sheltered south-east coast of Mull, between Craignure and Iona and overlooking the River Lussa and Loch Spelve, these two wonderful properties (refs USK and SAAX) enjoy a glorious secluded position within the ...
Standing in 4 acres of garden which lead down to a shingle beach, this single-storey, wooden-clad property enjoys a gloriously secluded situation with breathtaking sea views. It offers spacious and very comfortable ...
Carron House, Slumbay, near Lochcarron, Northern Highlands, Strathcarron
Carron House is a superb, contemporary, detached house set in its own generous gardens and enjoying stunning loch and mountain views. Situated in the quiet hamlet of Slumbay, just over a mile from the pretty West Highland ...
Creagan Ruadh, Ratagan, By Kyle of Lochalsh, Highlands
Set in beautifully landscaped gardens with fabulous uninterrupted views across Loch Duich towards the mountains of Kintail, this detached house has been furnished and equipped to a high standard. Summer ferries to Isle of ...
Enjoying a superb, secluded setting with outstanding bay views, this sympathetically extended, 18th-century shepherd’s cottage is set next to 2 miles of golden sand; a turquoise blue sea with twisting otters and bobbing ...
Dailfearn Lodge, Achmore near Stromeferry, Highlands, Kyle of Lochalsh
Dailfearn Lodge is a delightful lodge-style property situated in a superb location, just a short stroll from the banks of Loch Carron. The lodge, with its own private patio decking, is set in the extensive grounds of a ...
Superb loch viewsLocated on a small holding, on an elevated site enjoying fabulous views over the village of Carbost to Loch Harport and the hills beyond, lies this detached bungalow. Well-equipped and furnished to a good ...
Ewe Cottage, Naast near Poolewe, Highlands, Gairloch
Ewe Cottage is a pretty whitewashed, traditional, detached croft cottage standing in its own large country garden with lovely sea views. The cottage is beautifully presented throughout and retains many original features, ...
'In a land steeped in legends of the Bonnie Prince – close to Moidart’s sandy shores...'Where a tree-lined glen opens out onto Loch Moidart and in countryside steeped with tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie, these fine ...
Hannahs Cottage, Inverasdale, near Poolewe, Highlands, Gairloch
This detached family holiday house is situated in the rural crofting township of Inverasdale, on the west coast of Scotland, offering views over the Loch Ewe and the open countryside. The area has so much to offer, ...
Island Bay View, Sallachy, near Dornie, Highlands, Kyle of Lochalsh
Island Bay View is a detached bungalow on the shores of Loch Long, furnished and equipped to a very good standard. Set in one of the most spectacular glens on the west coast of Scotland, the mountain and loch views are ...
Leiper House, Near Lochailort, Highlands, Acharacle
'In a land steeped in legends of the Bonnie Prince – close to Moidart’s sandy shores...'Where a tree-lined glen opens out onto Loch Moidart and in countryside steeped with tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie, these fine ...
Linicro Cottage, Linicro, Isle of Skye , Isle of Skye, Portree
Lovely viewsThis compact, roadside, detached cottage is well furnished and offers excellent value for money. Situated on the most northerly road on the ’Winged Island’, enjoying lovely views, the holiday property is ...
Loch Alsh Cottage, Balmacara, By Kyle of Lochalsh, near Plockton, Highlands
These three adjoining holiday properties (refs SMMC, SMMD and UVO) are set in beautiful, landscaped grounds with spectacular views across the Sound of Sleat to Skye and are only 500 yards away from the shoreline and ...
Boasting stunning views across Loch Duich to the mountains of Skye, this very comfortable property is set right on the shore in its own little bay, with the Five Sisters of Kintail as a spectacular backdrop. Its lochside ...
Loch Shore Cottage is detached and sits on the shores of Loch Long with outstanding views over the loch. You will truly love the loch side location and enjoy watching the local otters, amazing seabirds and the wonderful ...
Mackenzie Cottage is a traditional style, detached cottage situated in the charming and renowned village of Poolewe in the north west Highlands. The cottage is beautifully presented throughout, with lots of attractive ...
Mellon Sorbie, Aultbea, Wester Ross , Highlands, Gairloch
Enjoying views across Loch Ewe to the hills of the west coast, this detached holiday lodge is situated in a quiet location on the edge of the fishing village of Aultbea. Mellon Sorbie makes the perfect base for exploring ...
Rams Cottage, Glenelg, near Kyle of Lochalsh, Highlands
Stunningly located at the edge of Glenelg Bay where the tide ebbs and flows providing a haven for birdlife and otters. This comfortably furnished and well equipped holiday home enjoys a splendid location, offering a base ...
Riverfoot, Glenelg, by Kyle, Ross-Shire, Highlands, Kyle of Lochalsh
River / sea viewsThis spacious detached bungalow is a real ’home from home’ amidst superb scenery. The area is steeped in history - visit the 2000-year-old brochs, Hanovarian Barracks or Eilean Donan Castle. A trip ...
Spectacularly set close to a secluded shingle beach and private mooring, this detached property has an enviable location and is perfect for those looking for peace and quiet. The property is beautifully furnished and ...
Enjoying a fabulous elevated position overlooking Uig Bay, Sea Loch View is a spacious, tastefully presented detached holiday property. With floor-to-ceiling glass in the living room, dining room and kitchen, guests can ...
Seacot is a beautifully converted detached cottage situated right on the shores of Lochcarron in the heart of Wester Ross. Originally it was part of the outbuildings of a large house; this pretty cottage has been totally ...
United Kingdom cottages
